Reasons for rejection

1. A deployed airbag is less than 14 years old and the vehicle has not been low volume vehicle certified.

2. An OE airbag warning light system has been removed from a vehicle fitted with airbags.

3. A motor vehicle has a sign, light or other device that indicates the vehicle is fitted with an airbag when it is not fitted with an airbag and there are no other signs to say it has been removed.

4. An airbag cover:

a) is damaged, or

b) has deteriorated, or

c) shows signs of tampering.

5. The airbag warning light:

a) does not operate, or

b) indicates a fault in the system.

6. An airbag that failed to deploy when involved in a crash above the deployment threshold has not been replaced.

7. An airbag component such as the impact sensor, clock spring or wire harness has been repaired where this is not permitted in the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. An airbag component has been replaced and the specifications are different from the original component.

9. A salvaged replacement air bag and its associated components have been fitted without evidence of their fitness for purpose, including their source and the storage conditions of the donor vehicle and the airbag and its components (Note 1).

10. A declaration is produced for the airbag system stating that not all components and connections are within specifications (Note 2).

11. A declaration has not been completed when there is damage beyond the radiator support panel (Note 2).

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998
• Land Transport Rule: Frontal Impact 2001.

Mandatory equipment

1. A frontal impact airbag, its operating system and its warning light system must remain operational if the vehicle was originally manufactured with a frontal impact airbag.

2. A motor vehicle must not have a sign, light, or other device that indicates the vehicle is fitted with an airbag if it is not fitted with an airbag.

3. A motor vehicle must not have a light or other device indicating an airbag operating system is operable if it is inoperable.

4. Airbags may be removed or made inoperable in a vehicle that is more than 14 years old from the date of first registration; however, the vehicle must then be low volume vehicle certified.

5. Airbags may be removed or made inoperable in a vehicle that has been modified for disability or specialist use; however, the vehicle must then be low volume vehicle certified.

Permitted equipment

6. A switch may be installed as OE to render an airbag temporarily inoperable.

Performance

7. An airbag and its operating system must be safe and in good condition.

8. An airbag warning light fitted by the manufacturer must remain operational.